Bachelor of Nursing Degrees | Find a Registered Nurse Course

Overview

The Bachelor of Nursing, also known as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), is a three-year degree that prepares students to become a Registered Nurse (RN). The qualification is comprised of a selection of subjects that will teach you the skills needed to practice nursing within a healthcare environment. In this Registered Nurse course, you will learn about general health and wellbeing, medicine, behavioural science, mental illness, ethics, and professional practices. After you complete the nursing degree, you will be capable of working in a number of healthcare settings and be confident in delivering a high level of patient care.

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Find a nursing degree

We have collated a list of the best Bachelor of Nursing degrees across Australia – including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Browse through the degrees below and view more information about each course. Once you’ve found one that suits you, you can make an enquiry to the nursing university to apply or gain more information.

Bachelor of Nursing | USYD
Bachelor of Nursing | USYDSydney| 3 years full-time | 6 years part-time|Bachelor's Degree

Overview The Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies) allows students to develop a comprehensive understanding of profess ...

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Bachelor of Nursing | RMIT
Bachelor of Nursing | RMITMelbourne|2-3 years | Full-time |Bachelor's Degree

Overview This degree program provides a comprehensive education that blends nursing theory, clinical simulation ...

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Bachelor of Nursing | ACU
Bachelor of Nursing | ACUBallarat, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra|3 years full-time|Bachelor's Degree

Overview ACU is the largest provider of nurses in Australia. Our close links with hospitals and health care partners gu ...

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Bachelor of Nursing | WSU
Bachelor of Nursing | WSUSydney|3 years full-time|Bachelor's Degree

Overview This program prepares graduates for eligibility to apply for registration throughout Australia as a registered ...

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Bachelor of Nursing | QUT
Bachelor of Nursing | QUTBrisbane|3 years full-time | 6 years part-time|Bachelor's Degree

Overview QUT's School of Nursing is one of the largest and most established centres in Australia, with more than 40 yea ...

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Bachelor of Nursing | The University of Notre Dame
Bachelor of Nursing | The University of Notre DameFremantle, Sydney, Broome|3 years full-time|Bachelor's Degree

Overview At The University of Notre Dame Australia, our highly-respected Bachelor of Nursing degree is the foundation f ...

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Bachelor of Nursing | Monash
Bachelor of Nursing | MonashMelbourne (Clayton or Peninsula)| 3 years full-time | 6 years part-time|Bachelor's Degree

Overview The Bachelor of Nursing provides students with the knowledge and clinical skills to provide high-quality nursi ...

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Bachelor of Nursing | UTAS
Bachelor of Nursing | UTASHobart, Launceston, Cradle Coast, Rozelle| 3 years full-time | 6 years part-time|Bachelor's Degree

Overview Nurses transform and make a positive impact on people’s lives. We provide you with a meaningful education ...

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Bachelor of Nursing | CSU
Bachelor of Nursing | CSUAlbury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga, Online| 3 years full-time | 6 years part-time|Bachelor's Degree

Overview The Bachelor of Nursing from Charles Sturt University has led the way for nurses for more than 30 years. Our u ...

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Bachelor of Nursing | Torrens
Bachelor of Nursing | TorrensSydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide|3 years full-time | 6 years part-time|Bachelor's Degree

Overview The Bachelor of Nursing prepares you for a career as a Registered Nurse, teaching you vital assessment and cli ...

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Types of nursing degrees

In Australia, you have the option to choose from various types of nursing degrees. These degrees are designed for different individuals, depending on their previous education and interest in Midwifery. If you already hold certain qualifications, you may be able to complete your nursing degree in a shorter timeframe. The most popular nursing degree is the Bachelor of Nursing (Pre-Registration), which is typically what we refer to as a Bachelor of Nursing.

To ensure you select the right degree, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of the different types of nursing degrees available. To learn more, simply click on the nursing degree options below.

 

  • Bachelor of Nursing (Pre-registration)

    The Bachelor of Nursing (Pre-Registration) is the standard three-year nursing degree that is available to everyone who has graduated from highschool with the appropriate pre-requsites. This includes secondary school graduates, or adult learners. If you don’t already have a nursing diploma or a degree in another field, then this is the degree for you. Note, when searching for nursing degree, if the name of the course is only “Bachelor of Nursing”, it is most likely a pre-registration type course. Once you complete this degree, you become eligible to register as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

  • Bachelor of Nursing (Graduate Entry)

    The ‘graduate entry’ program is a shorter Bachelor of Nursing specifically designed for students who already possess a degree. Although not always necessary, some universities require the prior degree be in a health-related field – i.e. behavioural science or biology. If you meet these requirements, it can reduce the duration of your course to just two-years of full-time study.

  • Bachelor of Nursing (Enrolled Nurse Entry)

    As the name suggests, this degree is specifically aimed at Enrolled Nurses who want to become a Registered Nurse. Like the ‘graduate entry’ program, the Bachelor of Nursing (Enrolled Nurse Entry) will also reduce the duration of the course to two-years full-time. Many aspiring nurses choose to follow this pathway as a three-year degree can be a large commitment.

  • Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery

    The Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery covers the additional subject area of midwifery and requires an additional year of study to the standard “Bachelor of Nursing” degree. As a graduate of this course, you will have the same capabilities as those of a BSN, but you’ll also be eligible to become a midwife.

Course details

With many Australian universities offering a Bachelor of Nursing or Registered Nurse course, information can vary between institutions. To make things simpler, we’ve addressed some common questions you might have, and summarised what you might expect from a typical course.

A Bachelor of Nursing will take most students three years of full-time study to complete. Assuming you study an average of six units each year and do not fail any subjects. Some universities offer an accelerated program, which will allow you to graduate in as little as two years. This is achieved by studying additional units over the same time period – though special entry criteria apply.

If the student is already an Enrolled Nurse, they may be able to reduce their study time by up to one year. While students who wish to study part-time will usually take six years.

If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you will be eligible for the government’s Commonwealth Supported Place subsidy. Meaning for the majority, and undergraduate degree in nursing will cost you around $12,000-$20,000 in tuition fees. Price will vary depending on the institution you decide to study with. With more prestigious universities demanding a higher price tag. Your actual tuition fee will be based on the individual units you select and enrol in, as each will have a slightly different price point. If fees is a determining factor for you, it is also important to consider the supporting costs such as living expenses, study equipment and any loss of employment hours. But don’t worry, there are many ways to gain help paying your fees, including a wide range of scholarships

The typical entry requirements for students wishing to study a Bachelor of Nursing include:

  1. Completion of your senior secondary schooling qualification (i.e QCE in QLD, or HSC in NSW) or international equivalent
  2. A minimum ATAR score or international equivalent (ATAR scores are used to rank students in Australia based on their performance in their final year of secondary school)
  3. Depending on the univesity, completion of prerequisite subjects such as biology, chemistry, and mathematics during secondary school.
  4. Depending on the univesity, you may be required to attend an interview or assessment

If you have not completed your primary and secondary schooling in Australia, you might also need to demonstrate your English language proficiency via IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.

On top of assessing your suitability for the course, universities will also request:

  • a Working With Children Check
  • a Police Record Check
  • a declaration of your immunisation status
  • and in some cases completion of a first aid course

The majority of Australian universities require an ATAR score of 65 or higher to gain entry to the Bachelor of Nursing. However, it’s important to highlight that the criteria vary significantly between universities. For example, UTS only accepts students with an ATAR score above 84.25, while Victoria University doesn’t have an ATAR requirement at all. If you are not a recent ‘high school leaver’ then you may be able to gain access if you have relevant work experience or have undertaken the enrolled nursing diploma course. To see what ATAR score you’ll need, explore our comprehensive list of ATAR scores for nursing degrees.

Yes, you can study a nursing degree part-time, however expect the duration of the course to be twice as long. For example a part-time Bachelor of Nursing, which typically takes 3-years to complete full-time, will take approximately 6-years instead. It is possible to finish it a little faster by tackling more subjects when time allows.

If you are studying a Bachelor of Nursing at an approved university in Australia, you may be eligible for a HECS loan to help cover your tuition fees. HECS loans are a form of financial assistance provided by the Australian Government to help students pay for their tertiary education. The loan is paid back through the Australian taxation system once you reach a certain income threshold.

To be eligible for a HECS loan, you must be an Australian citizen, a permanent humanitarian visa holder, or a New Zealand citizen who meets certain criteria. You will also need to meet the university’s academic and English language requirements for the course you are applying for.

The availability and terms of HECS loans may vary depending on the university and the specific program. It’s best to check with the universities you’re interested in to see if they offer HECS loans and to find out what the specific requirements and terms are.

If you’re a highschool graduate interested in applying for a Bachelor of Nursing degree, you can use the Australian Tertiary Admissions Centres to apply to universities in your state.

  • ACT/NSW ” Universities Admissions Centre (UAC)
  • QLD ” Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC)
  • SA/NT ” South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC)
  • TAS ” Applications go directly to the institution
  • VIC ” Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC)
  • WA ” Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC)

These centralised admission centers streamline the application process, making it easier for you to apply to multiple universities at once. They do not select applicants or make decisions regarding their qualifications, but instead act as a central agency for all applications and advise applicants of the result of their application.

Here are the steps you should take to use the tertiary admission centre to apply for a Bachelor of Nursing degree:

  1. Create an account with the appropriate admission center (i.e UAC, VTAC, QTAC etc.) by providing your personal details, such as your name, date of birth, and contact information. You will also need to create a password and security questions for your account.
  2. Submit your application by providing information such as your academic history, work experience, and any relevant qualifications. You will also need to upload any supporting documents, such as your academic transcripts and proof of English proficiency.
  3. List your preferred universities in order of preference. This will involve selecting the universities you’re interested in and ranking them in order of preference. You can also apply for multiple courses at the same university, but you will need to list them separately.
  4. Pay the application fee, which varies depending on the center and the number of choices you’ve made.
  5. Keep track of the deadlines and make sure you submit your application in time.

It’s important to keep in mind that the process and requirements may vary depending on the university and the course you’re applying for, so it’s always best to check the specific requirements with the university or the admission centre.

A Bachelor of Nursing can typically be studied at any time during the year. The specific intakes for a nursing degree will vary depending on the university and the type of program.

  1. Semester-based intakes: Most universities offer nursing degrees on a semester-based schedule, which typically run for two semesters per year. These degrees usually begin in late February and July.
  2. Trimester-based intakes: Some universities may offer nursing degrees on a trimester-based schedule, which typically run for three trimesters per year. These courses usually begin in February, June, or October.
  3. Accelerated degrees: A small number of universities may offer a bachelors in nursing on an accelerated schedule, which are designed to be completed in 2 years. These programs usually start in January or February and end in December.

Units & structure

Each university offers a different combination of units (or subjects) for you to study in their Bachelor of Nursing. Generally there will be a total of 22 units that you need to complete. Of which, roughly 5 will be clinical placements, 1 will be an elective, and 1 a capstone. Use this as a guide only however, as the nursing units do vary greatly between universities.

Course Structure Examples

To give a sense of what you will learn in a nursing degree, we’ve collated a list of units from six different universities.

Year 1

 Foundations of Nursing Practice 1 A
Health and Homeostasis 1
Preparation for Clinical Practice
Healthcare Communication
Foundations of Nursing Practice 1B
Health and Homeostasis 2
Health and Society
Introduction to Clinical Practice

Year 2

 Foundations of Nursing Practice 2A
Clinical Practice 2A
Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 1
Nursing Care of the Older Person
Foundations of Nursing Practice 2B
Clinical Practice 2B
Indigenous Health and Well-Being
Fundamentals of Mental Health Nursing

Year 3

 1x Elective
Foundations of Nursing Practice 3A
Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 2
Clinical Practice 3A
Foundations of Nursing Practice 3B
Empathy and Compassion for Nursing Practice
Transition to Professional Practice
Leading, Teaching and Mentoring
Electives Introduction to Aboriginal Community Engagement
Introduction to Care of the Older Person
Introduction to Community Health Nursing
Introduction to Critical Care Nursing
Introduction to Child and Family Health Nursing
Introduction to Global Health
Introduction to Mental Health Nursing
Introduction to Paediatric Nursing
Introduction to Palliative Care
Introduction to Perioperative Nursing
Introduction to Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health
Introduction to Drug and Alcohol Nursing
Introduction to Women’s Health
Introduction to Chronic Care Nursing

Year 1
 Foundations of Professional Nursing
Psychosocial Development across the Lifespan
Human Anatomy and Physiology 1
Communicating Effectively
Safe Administration of Medications
Human Anatomy and Physiology 2
Effective Nursing Practice
Health Assessment
Year 2
 Acute Nursing Practice
Human Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 1
Legal and Ethical Principles in Healthcare
Research in Nursing
Chronic Illness Management
Human Pathophysiology and Pharmacology 2
Mental Health Nursing Practice
Family Nursing
Year 3
 1x Elective
Professional Nursing Practice
Complex Clinical Care
Community Nursing Practice
Health and Illness in Older People
First Peoples Health and Practice
Professional Experience Capstone
Electives Care of the Neonate
Child and Youth Mental Health
Global Women’s Health
Introduction to Sexual Health and STI

Year 1
 Anatomy and Physiology for Health Professionals
Professional Practice and Cultural Safety
Health Assessment
Wellness Across the Lifespan
Pathophysiology for Health Professionals
Leading and Learning
Integrated Nursing Practice 1 Off campus
Integrated Nursing Practice 1 On campus
Year 2
 Introduction to Clinical Therapeutics for Health
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Well-being
Integrated Nursing Practice 2 On campus
Integrated Nursing Practice 2 Off campus
Inquiry in Clinical Practice
Mental Health: Self and others
Integrated Nursing Practice 3 Off Campus
Integrated Nursing Practice 3 On Campus
Year 3
 1x Elective
Integrated Nursing Practice Capstone
Ethics Law and Health Care
Integrated Nursing Practice 4
Leading and Learning: Building Professional Capacity
Integrated Nursing Practice 5
Electives International Study Experience
Domestic and Family Violence
Introduction to Nursing Children and Childbearing Families
Pain Management and Nursing Practice
Introduction to Cardiothoracic Nursing
It is strongly advised that you complete NSB334 Integrated Nursing Practice 4 prior to studying NSB603
Palliative Care Nursing
Wound Care in Practice
Smash the Act – Indigenous Australian Politics

Year 1
 Anatomy and Physiology
Health Assessment and Decision Making
Connecting with Culture: Indigenous Australian Experiences
Strengths Based Nursing and Health Promotion
Ethics & Law in Health Care
Foundations of Nursing – Placement
Concepts of Aged Care
Physiology in Medical and Health Sciences
Year 2
 Pathophysiology and Acute Nursing Care
Managing Chronic Care – Placement
Pharmacology in Nursing
Mental Health Nursing – Placement
Nursing Research
Nursing Children and Young People
Year 3
 Preparation for Entry to Practice
Complex and Community Care – Placement
Clinical Governance and Quality Care
Nursing Projects
High Acuity Nursing – Placement
Leadership and Digital Health Technologies in Nursing
Electives N/A

Year 1
 Quality and Safety in Health Care 1
Evidence-Based Practice
Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
Quality and Safety: Nursing Practice 1
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ History, Culture and Health
Care of the Child and Adolescent
Person-Centred Health Assessment
Quality and Safety: Nursing Practice 2
Year 2
 Quality Use of Medicines
Acute Illness and Supportive Care
1x Elective
Primary Health Care
Mental Health and Supportive Care
1x Elective
Year 3
 1x Elective
Care of the Older Person
Chronic Illness and Supportive Care
Quality and Safety in Health Care 2
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Quality and Safety: Comprehensive Nursing Practice
Electives Maternal and Newborn Care
Perioperative Nursing
Rural and Remote Nursing
Introduction to Aboriginal Studies
Aboriginal Australian Stories and Songlines
Epidemiology and Biostatistics 1
Contemporary Health Issues
Foundations of Food, Nutrition and Health
Health Psychology (Behaviour Change)
Cognitive Psychology
Health Psychology (Addiction)

Year 1
 Human Biosciences A
Human Biosciences B
Individual Determinants Of Health
Introduction To Nursing
Introduction To Professional Practice
Nursing Management And Assessment
Research And Evidence In Practice
Social Determinants Of Health
Year 2
 First Nations Health
Nursing And Midwifery Research
Nursing Patients With Acute Illness A
Nursing Patients With Acute Illness B
Nursing: Health Priorities A
Nursing: Health Priorities B
Primary Healthcare Nursing
1x Elective
Year 3
 Engagement In Professional Nursing
Nursing Patients With Chronic Illness
Nursing: Mental Health And Illness
Recognising And Responding To The Deteriorating Patient
Nursing: Reflection and Consolidation
Electives Education In Health Professional Practice
Family Violence Best Practice Response For Health Care Professionals
Healthcare Ethics And Law
International And Clinical Elective For Nursing And Midwifery
Transitions In Dementia Care

What to expect

A Bachelor of Nursing is a comprehensive degree that focuses on providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a registered nurse. The course usually takes three years to complete and it can be quite intensive, as it combines both theoretical and practical components. We’ve summarised below what you can expect from a typical course.

The weekly time commitment for a bachelors in nursing can vary depending on the program and the university. However, in general, students can expect to spend a significant amount of time on coursework and clinical placement.

For coursework, students can expect to attend lectures, tutorials, and laboratory sessions. The number of hours per week for these activities can vary depending on the program, but it’s common to have around 20-25 hours of class time per week. Additionally, students will be expected to spend time on independent study and coursework such as assignments, research, and exam preparation. On average, students can expect to spend around 15-20 hours per week on independent study.

For clinical placement, students will be required to complete certain number of hours in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, aged care facilities, and community health centers. These hours are usually spread out over the duration of the program and can typically add up to 15-20 hours per week.

It is possible to study a nursing degree online, but not entirely. All Bachelor of Nursing degrees in Australia require you to complete a set number of hours within a clinical placement. This involves working with real patients in a supervised healthcare setting. Clinical placement is a vital component of nursing education as it allows students to apply the theoretical knowledge they have learned in the classroom to real-life situations, and develop the hands-on skills needed to work as a nurse. As such, you can only ever complete the theory component of the degree online, while the practical compoment must still be done in person.

Many universities now offer aspects of the degree online – including coursework, videos, readings, simulations, and discussions. While others have yet to make this transition and still require students to complete their learning completely on campus. When considering which Bachelor of Nursing to study, it’s important to check with the specific institution to understand whether the delivery mode is online, on-campus, or hybrid.

Yes, all degrees will require an element of clinical placement throughout the course. This is mandatory for you to complete, and will add up to be about 800+ hours of clinical exposure. By working in a clinical environment you will have the opportunity to develop clinical skills under the supervision of registered nurses. Enabling you to experience being part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, while putting your learned knowledge to practice. Your placement can give you exposure to various nursing fields including acute care, medical and surgical care, aged care, rehabilitation, community nursing and mental health nursing. Each of which may be undertaken in public and private hospitals and/or community healthcare centres.

A Bachelor of Nursing degree can be difficult, as it requires a significant amount of academic and practical learning. The curriculum for a nursing degree will include a mix of classroom lectures, laboratory work, and clinical rotations. Students will learn about the various aspects of nursing, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and patient care. They will also be required to complete a certain number of clinical hours, which involve working with patients in a supervised setting.

Math is a fundamental part of the nursing curriculum, as nurses use mathematical concepts and calculations on a daily basis in their work. Some nursing courses may require students to have completed high school level math, such as algebra and geometry, while others may require more advanced math courses such as statistics or calculus.

If you’re not good at math, it’s important to understand that a degree in nursing will require a certain level of mathematical proficiency. That said, it’s not the only factor that determines your success. Nurses also need to have strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, as well as an understanding of the biological and social sciences. Many universities offer math tutoring and support services for students who may struggle with math.

Take the time to consider your own strengths and weaknesses when deciding if a Bachelor of Nursing is right for you. If math or any other area is a major concern for you, it may be helpful to talk to a nursing program advisor to get a better idea of what wil be expected and explore the support services that are available.

Nursing registration

After graduating from your nursing bachelor’s degree, you will be eligible to apply for registration with the NMBA. If approved, then you will be a fully qualified Registered Nurse, capable of working in a variety of healthcare settings in Australia or overseas. This includes (but not limited to) public and private hospitals, community health centres, mental health centres, aged-care facilities, occupational health centres, and rural practices.

Career pathways

  • Clinical Nurse Specialist – A clinical nurse (CN) specialist is a senior RN with advanced skills and knowledge within a particular area of acute care.
  • Nurse Practitioner – A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a RN with an advanced clinical role in speciality areas such as mental health, paediatrics and women’s health.
  • Nurse Unit Manager – A Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) oversees the nurses within a specific hospital or clinic unit. They are a critical role in upholding the required nusing standards and ensuring a high-level of care is maintained.
  • Nurse Educator – Nurse Educators are responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of nurse education and staff development programs.
  • Director of Nursing – In addition to overseeing the nursing department, this senior role is focused on managing the policies, processes and programs to ensure the highest standards of nursing care is delivered.

Clinical specialisations

The large variety of nursing specialisations is one of the great benefits of becoming a Registered Nurse. There are number of pathways and career advancement opportunities that will keep you excited and challenged. These specialisations encompass different fields of medicine such as pediatrics, cardiology, oncology, gerontology, emergency and many more. Having a specialisation often results in greater job satisfaction, higher salaries, and better job opportunities. Employers tend to be more willing to pay more for nurses with specialised skills, as they are seen as valuable assets to their team.

Here are just a few of the nursing specialisations available.

Clinical Nurse

A clinical nurse is part of the senior nursing staff that work within the acute care sector.

Neonatal Nurse

A neonatal nurse specialises in providing supportive health care to newborn infants up to four-weeks-old

Perioperative Nurse

Provide nursing care for patients before, during and after they undergo surgery or a non-surgical procedure

Emergency Nurse

ER nurses treat patients who require immediate medical attention, such as those with severe injury or trauma.

Intensive Care Nurse

An ICU nurse care for patients experiencing high-dependency, or life threatening conditions.

Mental Health Nurse

A mental health nurse focuses on proving special healthcare to a patient who suffers from mental health problems.

Paediatric Nurse

Paediatric nurses care specifically for babies and children under 18.

Nurse Practitioner

Registered nurse with advanced training that provide higher levels of care.

Midwife

A midwife is a trained health professional who helps healthy women during labor

Job outlook

According to the Australian Government’s Job Outlook website, the number of Registered Nurses is expected to grow by 13.9% fromo 2021 to 2026, which is much faster than the average for all other occupations. This is driven by an aging population, an increasing number of people with chronic health conditions, and a greater emphasis on preventative health care. This means that Registered Nurses are in high demand, with an increasing number of job opportunities available. This strong demand is also likely to drive up nurse wages and salaries, as healthcare employers pay top dollar to secure much needed nursing staff.

With all this considered, this makes being a Registered Nurse not only a safe and secure career, but one that it also well compensated.

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